Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent"
posts), where we can share our finds from other
retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew
(like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann
Taylor, and the like.)

If you
have recently encountered items that are similar to
J.Crew, maybe you might be
willing to share that information with us
in this post.

Please feel
free to share your story on almost any topic—
including experiences with certain merchandise pieces,
promotions/ offers, in-store visits,
transactions with store associates, etc.

Did anyone else get the recent lands end catalog in the mail? They were channeling 2005-6 JCrew catalogs in a major way. They big family (all ages) eating and frolicking out on the lawn of the stately home...

This on might be to watch - I read some articles about their new CEO, coming from Dolce & Gabbana, and her plans for a major upgrade, going "high-fashion". Digital catalogs should be available later this year...

My favorite denim shirt, white shirt and boyfriend jeans are "vintage" Canvas by Land's End. I loved their Canvas line but it seems to have virtually disappeared. The shirts are shaped so even though I'm wearing a men's style I don't loose my shape and are made of the nicest fabric. I often get asked who my boyfriend jeans are by and when I say Land's End, people are surprised. I got them cheap off the sales rack. I'm bummed though....I think they may be too big now since I lost weight. I'm hoping to not too see "high-fashion" but more well made casual things like Canvas used to be. High fashions isn't working so well for other retailers, why would they want to do that? It's completely against what they are known and loved for. Preppy, outdoorsy casual clothes. I just don't get it!

Last time I was in Lands End, I asked a sales associate about what happened to Canvas and was it coming back. He said it's not coming back as its own label but that soon Lands End would be adding something like it to their regular label/line. He said it would be a while before that happened, though.

The new CEO is awesome and I'm looking forward to seeing what she will do. In an interview she said she is not interested in high fashion but becoming a brand that will appeal to a younger target. She made it clear that quality is #1 and that won't change, but cuts and styles will be updated for the 20-something customer. She also said the company will not risk the loyalty of its current customer base, either, and I love the authenticity of that.

I loved Canvas and got some fantastic pieces from them - the Heritage cardigan (think a long-sleeved, better constructed Jackie), dark denim cropped trousers, the perfect grey scoopneck sweatshirt, black suede ballet flats and a dress that's a white tank on top and a khaki skirt on bottom. Their long-sleeved cashmere tees were amazing - I got 6 of them for like, $30 apiece (and then lost 4 of them to a carpet beetle infestation, so sad!). If the "new" LE could even recapture a little bit of that, they'd be getting some of my money for sure.

Wondering whether Hyatt jump ship, or was he one of those ~170 laid of recently. Crappy fabrics is one of the major issues JC struggles with. Does it mean the whole sourcing/suppliers side will improve? I truly hope so!!!

I stopped in Anthropologie the other day and saw some very cute fall things. I used to think their things were too "artistic" for me, but in the last couple years I've grown to appreciate them. I tried on a few things (and found several things made in USA!) and brought home a couple items to see how they will work into the new closet. I also checked out Loft, which I've never really paid much attention too and ordered a pair of men's style high waisted trousers in a dark coal color (Flannel Trouser pants #37488) which look so good and a dress (Flight Dress #379491) which I know will be short, but I plan to wear it with black tights and black booties. I plan on checking out Talbot's and Banana too. I'm trying to keep an open mind about these stores and not get overwhelmed by the things I don't like and look for little treasures.

I completely agree, Cate! I tried to buy from the Crewe, but 99% of it went back. I bought a few summer things at Anthro too and really enjoyed them. My favorite maxi dress from like 5 years ago is from Anthro. I love it's gorgeous pasiley pattern, thick body hugging fabric and the fact that it has sleeves! 3/4 length which makes it year around wearable. I have high hopes for more beautiful things from Anthro this fall!

DEFINITELY give Banana a shot, Stray Cat. I am so in love with that store right now, the designs speak to me in a way clothing hasn't in a long time. The quality isn't there yet -- but they are improving. I'm seeing much more pima cotton, nice quality silk and leather if that is your thing (it is mine!). My main issue right now is that the sizing is very inconsistent across pieces but I hear they are working to bring that (and materials) up to snuff. Their shoes right now also remind me of J.Crew circa 2010-11, when I was in my first real job and investing heavily in work gear. I'm liking a lot of what I see at J.Crew right now for Fall too for work, but BR is likely going to be my work staple store for the time being.

Just one more comment this morning.....I opened the Crew's latest email and saw what I thought was an old email! Mind you I had just gotten out of bed and wasn't fully awake yet, but a yellow pea coat, short flippy navy skirt and Breton striped top doesn't say fall dressing to me. On the other had if yellow is going to be an important color for fall, I'm on the hunt for a mustardy yellow pair of jeans. If any of you see some, please post it here! Thanks!

I am also very curious about Uniqlo and their colab with Ines De La Fressange in stores tomorrow. I need to update my winter accessories - those wool beanie, scarf, gloves, the cashmere beanie look lovely! Will try to make it to the store tomorrow.

Argh. Well I wanted to just place one big order, but I went ahead and placed an order for the Heavy Gauge Cable Crew Neck Sweater (http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-idlf-heavy-gauge-cable-crew-neck-sweater-155318.html#32-003)and the Gathered Skirt (http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-idlf-gathered-skirt-156177.html#09-004)just now since both are "low stock" already.

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

Incidentals

The following blog is just a forum for people to express their thoughts and opinions about J.Crew. Also, please note that most (if not all) of the images come from J.Crew's website and/ or catalog. Lastly, J.Crew is *not* affiliated with this site. :)